BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS (THEATRE PRACTICE)

Preparing for the Devised Performance Piece

Your audition will consist of two parts:
1. Shakespeare Monologue
2. Devised Performance Piece
On this page you will find some instructions on what is required for the Devised Performance Piece.

The Task: Create a 2-3 minute original devised performance.

This is an opportunity for you to create a performance that shows us something about your interests and abilities. The piece should
combine the elements of theatre namely body, voice, image and object. It should not be a talking head piece but should work in
contrast to the skills you are showing us through your monologue. Think about how you can translate your ideas into images. This must
be a solo performance and not include other performers.
You will have a total of 5 minutes to set up, perform and pack away. This will be strictly timed and we will not be able to see any more
than 3 minutes of any individual performance piece. In order to be equitable to all auditionees we will ask you to stop after 3 minutes.
Ensure that you bring everything you need to tidy up after yourself if you are using messy materials.
A starting point for your piece might be a photo, painting, a piece of music, a poem or news article that stimulates your imagination.
Consider including any or all of following in your piece:
Text i.e. your own writing or found text from a novel, play, poem, graphic novel, newsletter, song, speech, overheard
conversation etc.
Action i.e. gesture, physicality, dance and movement. This could be found movement created by copying the actions of
everyday life (someone walking their dog, using a computer, air steward safety demonstration etc.)
Objects i.e. props, items of costume, signs, pictures, photographs, symbolic objects (flower, religious icons, masks etc.) You
must bring these things with you and take them away afterwards.
Sound i.e. live music (singing, any instrument you play), recorded music, sound effects, background noise. There will be a basic
sound system provided in the audition room for iPod or CD only. A piano will not be available.
Fiction i.e. character, imagined setting, past or future. Think how you might contrast the use of fiction with the present
moment of the performance. You might use the live moment to complete tasks or directly address the audience as yourself.
Senses. Think about how you can address your audiences sense to evoke your ideas.
Space i.e. the audience configuration (end on, in a circle, in the corner etc.) The audition will take place in a large and mostly
empty room. You may ask the other auditionees to move to a certain part of the room. Remember however that this will be a
part of your set up time
For reasons of safety there cannot be any changes of lighting or the use of live flames (candles, matches, fire etc.) Please avoid bringing
sharp objects or anything else that may cause harm to people or property.
Remember keep it simple!

Selection Criteria
All auditions are judged by the same criteria. The selection criteria for the devised piece are listed below.
Through assessment of the Devised Performance Piece the audition panel examines the applicants ability to:
Originate a self-devised performance piece that demonstrates experimentation and invention.
Sustain a high quality of performance craft throughout a devised piece.
Demonstrate an interest in and engagement with live performance as a form of creative expression.
Apply imaginative compositional, physical and vocal craft skills that illustrate the potential to respond to training.